Paramount announces armed ISR aircraft

AMMAN, Jordan, May 16 (UPI) -- South Africa's Paramount Group has launched a new armed aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The Mwari is a military variant of its Advanced High Performance Light Aircraft, or AHRLAC, and features a South African-designed, developed and tested advanced mission system.

Mwari integrates designs from attack helicopters, surveillance platforms and reconnaissance aircraft with the ability to carry surveillance, weapons, radar and electronic warfare systems, Paramount said, and has brought advanced operational solutions, historically requiring more costly aircraft or complex unmanned aerial surveillance systems.

"Mwari is a world class capability that will enable developing countries to strengthen and diversify their security infrastructure," Dr. Paul Potgieter, CEO of AHRLAC Holdings, said at a defense and aerospace event in Jordan. "It offers the global industry a new, very cost effective and multi-role solution that will change the way global air forces procure and structure their air fleets."

Added Ralph Mills, chief executive officer of Paramount Advanced Technologies: "The development and production of Mwari is expected to provide a significant job and skills boost to the African aerospace industry as many local sub-contractors will be involved in equipping the aircraft with a range of systems."

AHRLAC Holdings is a joint venture of Paramount and Aerosud.